January 1, 2001

Episode One

Lorna goes to the First til Last and sends Mary to look for powdered milk. While Mary is gone, Lorna steals a bottle of whiskey from the shelf.

Irene and Terry are still arguing about the social workers visit and Irene tells him that her integrity is at stake. Terry has gone out and bought a bottle of whiskey and Irene hits the roof. Terry gets up to leave and Irene tells him not to bother coming back.

Lorna returns to the refuge drunk but Alex tells her that the refuge isn't open until later. Sarah tries to get him to let Lorna stay and when he doesn't give in she takes Lorna home with her!

Auntie Nellie and Dot are planning a quiet birthday party for Ethel. They decide that it will just be the three of them in the Vic and Dot asks Peggy to save them a table for the special occasion.

Lorna helps herself to Terry's liquor and money out of Irene's purse while Irene is upstairs. Later, they begin talking and sharing their problems and eventually the bottle of whiskey too! Tony and Sarah return to find them both drunk.

Mark comes home to find Nicole there again and tells Ruth to get rid of her as he storms out. He later tells Ruth that Nicole is not to be in the house unless the social worker has arranged it.

Kathy invites Phil round for dinner--she is dressed nicely and the table is lit with candles. They both say that they have something they want to tell the other and Kathy goes first; telling Phil about her affair with Alex, but that it is over. Phil tries to appear calm and gets up to leave. Kathy asks him what it was he wanted to tell her, and he tells her it was nothing really. He leaves and kicks a garbage can on the street, very upset as Kathy watches him go in tears.

Episode Two

Kathy tells Pat that Phil just accepted the news about Alex and that she was wrong in thinking that they could get back together again.

Ethel's quiet little birthday party has become anything but! Peggy has the Vic decorated and also has a cake. As Nellie and Dot walk in, everyone starts singing happy birthday and the birthday girl isn't even with them! Dot tells Peggy that Ethel is ill and later confides to Nellie that Ethel is out on a date with a toy boy--he's 71 to Ethel's 82!!!!!

Rob the social worker tells Ruth and Mark that Nicole seems to be making a genuine effort to clean up her act. Mark doesn't believe it and tells him that all he is doing is trying to protect Jesse.

Lorna is still at Irene's and when Sarah realizes she can't help the woman she calls her aunt Kathy to try and help. When Kathy arrives, Lorna starts to tell her about her failed marriage and about this bloke she meet at the AA meetings. Kathy asks her where he is now and Lorna tells her that the wife was a right bitch who didn't understand him and that the last she heard, the two of them had gone to Paris together to try to sort things out. During the whole conversation, Kathy has slowly realized exactly who Lorna is and she loses it---telling Lorna that she is a parasite and that the world would be a better place without her!

January 6, 2001

Episode One

Jesse wakes up from a bad dream about her mum and as Mark and Ruth are getting her back to bed, the phone rings. It is someone called Hayley looking for Huw.

Ian gets good news from Lucy that morning while fixing her breakfast when he hears that Nick has asked the kids to call him"Daddy".

Huw decides that it's his lucky day after hearing that Big Ron has won the lottery and has gone to Spain, so he goes to the First til Last and buys several lottery tickets from Mary. Mark walks in and tells Huw about the call in the middle of the night and Huw tells he and Lenny that he doesn't know anyone named Hayley.

Michael still hasn't heard any more about the Jackson house and Matthew decides he will pretend to be his dad's solicitor and help things along. It works, and Michael soon hears that he has the house.

Irene declares her home an "alcohol free zone", telling Sarah that she doesn't want to end up like Lorna as she pours all the beer down the kitchen sink.

Phil sees Jeff and tells him that Alex is out of bounds and that Kathy has told him everything. Jeff immediately tells Alex, who says he is not afraid of Phil.

Loran has her own bedsit thanks to the Vicar and tells Alex that she really is thankful for all that he has done for her. She also tells him that she thinks she upset Sarah's aunt the other day. She tells him that she and Kathy were getting along well until Kathy went crazy.

Huw goes to buy one more lottery ticket after losing with all the others. Mary chooses the ticket for him and he wins 350 quid and decides to throw a party and blow all of the winnings!

Ian finds an ante-natal appointment card in Lucy's school bag and tells Kathy that being pregnant is Cindy's way of convincing the courts that she isn't just having a quick fling with Nick.

Kathy posts the final divorce papers and tells Mick that she needs to get on with her life. Mick tells her to go see Lorna and exorcise the demons--to prove that Lorna has no say over Kathy's life.

Terry comes with flowers and a bottle of wine to apologize to Irene. She tells him that the house is now alcohol free and that if he doesn't like it then he knows what he can do---and Terry walks out again.

Phil and Conor fail to collect "protection" payment from a client who tells them that there were four other blokes round telling him that he would be paying them now. After much consideration, Phil and Conor give him the benefit of the doubt and agree that there is a problem and leave to go see Annie. Annie tells Phil that he doesn't seem to have the stomach for the business anymore--after all, he hasn't done anything about the vicar seeing his wife. On his way out from Annie's; Phil bumps into Alex and tells him that he is pushing his luck and needs to stay away from Kathy. Alex tells Phil that he's done nothing wrong and that he actually feels sorry for Phil for clinging onto something that isn't there anymore. As Phil grabs Alex and is about to punch him; Kathy sees them and shouts to Phil--who reluctantly lets Alex go.

Episode Two

Kathy tells Mick about what she saw the night before and that she has to get on with her life. Mick again tells her to face Lorna so that she can decide for herself what's important.

Conor, Phil and Annie decide to check out the other firm to see if they really do exist. Phil tells Annie that she just may find that her "Uncle Johnny" has set her up for a fall.

Sarah tells Alex that Kathy was asking for Lorna's address and asks him to give it to Kathy when he sees her.

Huw is down in the dumps and cancels the big party---still denying that he knows anyone named Hayley. Mick and Lenny can't figure out his mood--deciding that it is "woman troubles".

Kathy finally goes to see Lorna and tells her that she is Phil's wife and that she is sorry, she should have told her earlier. Lorna calls her a bitch and asks if she is happy to have Phil back. As Kathy leaves, she tells Lorna that actually,she and Phil are halfway through a divorce so if Lorna wants him, she can have him. Lorna demands to know when they split up and and Kathy tells her "last year, in Paris!"

Annie finds out that the other firm may actually exist and tells Phil that they need to carry on as usual. Phil tells her that it is his neck on the line and he's not risking it for her ego.

After what Huw calls A "bible -bashing" chat up in the cafe with Dot, he decides that he only has one life to live and the party is back on! Lola (Mick's friend) sees Lorna and asks her to go to the party with her since she doesn't know that many people and Lorna accepts when she finds out there's free booze. The party is in full swing when Annie shows up and whispers something to Lenny. Lenny then has to tell Huw that his sister phoned the club and that his father has died. Huw loses it a bit---jumping up and dancing wildly.

Kathy has to take Ben with her to the darts match in the Vic when Phil doesn't show up to babysit. When he does finally arrive, Lorna shows up right after and begins yelling at Phil and calling him a bastard. Kathy seems to enjoy Phil's embarrassment as he tries to get Lorna to leave. Outside, Lorna wants to know why he didn't tell her that he had left Kathy and then tells him that she will "slip away very quietly...just don't send any sodden flowers" as she turns to walk away. Phil asks her what she is going to do and she calls out "what do you care---go to hell!" As Kathy looks on holding Ben........................

January 14, 2001

Episode One

Peggy is furious about Lorna's appearance the night before and has a go at Grant about it---thinking that he has known all along that Lorna was back.

Matthews fabrications about his "girlfriend" keep growing as he tells Mary all about her.

Tony invites Simon out for a drink. The outing goes well and they seem to be getting on much better.

Lenny can't understand Huw's reaction to the news of his father's death. When he questions him about it; Huw tells him that he wiped his dad out the moment he left Wales and that as far as he is concerned---nothing has changed.

Phil stays with Lorna all night watching over her. Tiffany sees him coming out of the tube station and tells Grant. They both decide that maybe Peggy was right and Phil HAS still been seeing Lorna.

Huw's sister Hayley arrives looking for an answer as to why he hasn't responded to her calls. Huw tells her that nothing he ever did was good enough for his dad. His sister asks him again to come to the funeral and he walks out of the room.

Kathy tells Phil about meeting Lorna the week before . Phil tells her that she should have said something about it and that he thought Lorna was off the booze. Kathy tells him that he only wanted to believe that so he could walk away from her with a clear conscious; that he got himself into this mess and deserves everything that Lorna throws at him.

In the Vic; Ruth tells Huw about going to her dad's funeral and that since she went she isn't mad at her dad anymore. Huw decides he'll go.

Ian gets a call from his solicitor telling him that the welfare officer has ruled that Ian should get custody of all three kids. That night, as Cindy visits, Ian is very nice and waits until after she has tucked them in bed to tell her the news. Cindy doesn't believe him at first---telling him "You can't do this." As she leaves, the drums roll as one of the children yells out "mommy, mommy!" and Ian looks guilty.

Episode Two

The Rose's are busy moving into the new flat and Susan manages to find fault with everything the mover's do and is upset when Michael suggests that she take the downstairs bedroom---telling him that she isn't an invalid. Michael's mum shows up with her own opinion on everything; driving both Michael and Susan to the breaking point.

George meets with Annie and tells her that she will have to apply for her own license if she wants to keep the club open. Annie isn't pleased as this means she will have to close down temporarily and tells Phil that if she was George's SON he wouldn't treat her this way and that she and Phil will have to sort out the protection business since that is something George can't touch.

Sanjay is back; having no luck in his efforts to find Gita and Shamilla. Terry immediately hits him up to pick a horse for him to bet on and the horse wins making Terry a very happy bloke! Sanjay and Ian have a talk in the cafe and Ian tells him that he knows how it feels to not know where his wife and kids are. Sanjay tells him that he may have to face the fact that Gita and the child aren't all right.

Roy tells Pat that he has no idea if the car lot is making money or not and Pat tells him she will take a look at the books. When Roy goes to get them, Barry keeps one, saying he needs it for the moment. When Pat does get them she realizes that Barry has set up a deal to sell top of the line Mercs and that they will never be able to shift them. She tells Roy that he may need to consider getting rid of Barry and Roy tells her that he can't do that to his son and will have a talk with him. He promises that he will have the lot making money within six months without sacking Barry.

Annie tells Phil that she knows two blokes who will help them settle their money collection problems.

Ian has plumbing problems at the chippie. The shop will have to be closed down and all the stock thrown out. Annie jokingly tells him that he needs to get it settled as she can't be his spin doctor if his chippie is responsible for the next outbreak of cholera!

Mary asks Michael about Matthew's girlfriend, who in turn asks Susan about it. Susan says she didn't know he had a girlfriend but will find out. Matthew is very dodgy about the whole thing, telling his mum that they can't meet "Sandra" since she has strict parents and are Muslims from Newcastle!!!!! Susan tells Michael that Matthew has made the whole thing up--she's sure of it!

Phil meets with the two blokes Annie has sent round. Phil wants them to go soft and they tell him he's crazy---but money talks and they finally agree.

Julie invites Nigel to her son Josh's bar mitzvah.

Nicole comes round for her visit with Jesse and asks Mark and Ruth to keep in touch after Jesse is returned to her. After, Ruth tells Mark that she fells terrible that they will be speaking against Nicole in court soon. Mark replies that Nicole deserves everything she'll get.

Phil and Conor wait outside as the two blokes go in to sort things out. The plan backfires and they come out and tell Phil they knew it was a crazy idea. Phil wants them to go back in but they leave. Then Phil wants he and Conor to go in and take care of things but Conor tells him there's no way he's going in and leaves Phil to it. Conor returns to Annie and tells her what's happened; Phil is furious with Conor but Annie tells Phil that Conor did the right thing and that Phil is going to have to abide by her rules now.

January 21, 2001

Episode One

Matthew accepts an invitation from Mary to come round later. They are chatting in her bedroom when Pauline comes in, demands to know what's going on and kicks him out. Later, Mary whines to Mark about how she has no privacy. He tells her that maybe they can come to an arrangement and Mary is over the moon when she realizes he means she can bring friends to his house.

Justine (a new character) arrives at the Vic looking for the new Italian restaurant. Grant tells her he's sorry, he can't help her; later telling Tiff that he isn't doing the DiMarcos any favors.

Lucy is sick and is asking for her Mum so Ian invites Cindy over. He tells her about his sewage leak problems and Cindy seems very concerned. (Ian tells Kathy later that maybe Cindy has developed a conscious.) When Nick picks her up, she finds out that he already knows about the sewage woes and Nick tells her that he'll do whatever it takes to get the kids back and that they have to screw Ian up as much as possible before the hearing.

Pat tells Julie that she was hasty in leaving the play and wants her part back. Julie apologizes saying it's a little late; but Pat can help out backstage.

Annie, Phil and Conor strong-arm the bloke about who he is paying for protection instead of them. After a bashing, he gives them the names and they head off to settle the turf dispute. They're told that the patch was NOT for sale and that Johnny Price pulled a fast one on them; but when Annie drops her father's name, the blokes decide that this puts a different complexion on the matter.

Grant tries to get Irene to make up with Terry so he can get him out of the Vic but Irene refuses and on her way out of the pub has a go at Susan Rose for telling the DSS about her and Terry's living arrangements.

Ruth and Conor again argue about Nicole and Ruth tells her husband that some might say he isn't fit to foster---that he has done drugs, been in jail and has gotten aids somewhere along the way. Phil places a few bets at the club and wins and Annie tells him that he is in control now and wants to know if he feels good. Phil replies "...yeah. Yeah, I feel good."

Episode Two

Conor is worried that George will find out that they used his name the night before. Phil tells him that they will have no problems.

Pauline tells Michael about throwing Matthew out of the house and he tells her that she did the right thing.

Conor's fears are realized when George shows up looking for Phil.

Annie has arranged a campaign move for Ian. They'll protest the closing of a bus route through Walford. Nellie and Dot rally round to offer support and Polly is there from the Gazette. A blind man also throws in a few words about how much he depends on the route---only to show up later sans dark glasses---at Annie's, to accept payment for his little charade!

Mary asks Mark to speak to Peggy on her behalf about a job as a barmaid at the Vic since her 18th birthday is soon. He does, and later Peggy offers Mary the job.

Roy has some appointments with some old mates to boost business and reluctantly agrees to let Barry come with him if he will promise not to say a word. Barry doesn't keep this promise though; and the arrangements fall through. Roy is reluctant to tell Pat; but Barry as usual; puts his foot in it again.

Justine sees Theresa and tells her she really needs to see John. Theresa tells her brother, who doesn't seem pleased at the prospect of seeing Justine.

Susan tells Michael that she is going back to work the next day and bites his head off when he tells her that she is worried she is doing too much too soon.

Ian hears that the play rehearsals are to be held at the Vic and takes the opportunity to make himself look good again. He announces that he has arranged for the play to be held at the "Walford Empire" free of charge. Everyone is excited--- they will be able to sell more tickets since the hall is large.

Conor begins to think that something is going on between Mary and Mark since they have gotten so close.

Phil goes to see George only to find out that he is upset about the scene that Phil and Lorna caused in the Vic a few nights earlier. George tells him that Peggy was humiliated in front of all the punters, and that hurting Peggy isn't a very good idea and that Phil needs to go see Peggy since she is worried about him.

After Ian's announcement at the Vic, Nick decides "to bring him down a peg or two" and tell him about arranging the sewage problem. When Ian hears this, he goes berserk and throws Nick to the floor----as the Gazette photographer happily snaps away!

January 28, 2001

Episode One:

The next morning, Ian tries to get Tony to use his influence at the Gazette to prevent the photos being published and tells him he will owe him one if he pulls it off.Tony tells him he's sorry, that it's all down to Max.

It's Mary's birthday and with a little help from Ruth and Mark, she manages to arrange a meeting with Matthew that night. Mary gets a necklace from the Fowler's and also from her dad and Conor is hurt when she decides not to wear the one he gave her during her party at the Vic.

Susan goes to work telling Michael that she will be at her desk all day catching up on two months of memo's. He asks her to take it easy and not overdo it. When she comes home that night, Michael offers to take her out to dinner, but she falls asleep on the couch exhausted.

During Mary's party in the Vic---she slips away to Mark's for her rendezvous with Matthew. After they have obviously been to bed together she tells Matthew that she hopes he doesn't think she was fast since she had condoms.

Meanwhile in the Vic, Conor has noticed she is missing and goes to look for her. Luckily, they are dressed, but Conor threatens Matthew and tells the pair that he can see what's been going on and kicks him out. Mary tells her dad that she has looked after herself for years because she has never really had much of a father. Mark comes through the door just after Conor tells Mary that he's seen the way Mark looks at her and she doesn't realize the affect that she has on men. Conor declares that Mark can do no wrong and nothing he does is ever good enough... Mary takes off, and Mark tells Conor that he didn't know what was going to happen; that Mary promised him she would only be gone a few minutes.

Mary chases after Matthew and he asks her if her family had a bet on whether she'd get laid or not on her birthday. He rates her a "four" in bed and tells her that she has had the last laugh she will ever have off him.

Episode Two:

Pauline has a hangover from the celebration the night before. Conor tells her what happened and asks her to speak to Mary on his behalf since he handled it all wrong. When Pauline does speak to Mary, she tells the girl that she should date first, "not jump into bed with them at every available minute!"

Robbie applies for a job at the video store and since Nigel is desperate, he hires him.

Mary shows up late for work and when Neelam has a go at her; Mary tells her it isn't working out and she walks out telling Neelam to look for someone to replace her.

Huw comes back from his fathers funeral; happy to be back in Walford.

Kathy tells Pat that she is worried about Lorna and is thinking about visiting her. Pat doesn't understand how Kathy could feel sorry for someone who wrecked her marriage and Kath tells her that Lorna didn't ruin her marriage---Phil did.

Ruth apologizes to Conor about letting Mary meet Matthew at their house and Conor tells her that he really expected to find Mary with Mark! Ruth barely bats an eye and Conor tells her that he is jealous of the relationship that Mark and Mary have.

Justine finally manages to meet with Gianni and tells him that their engagement is off since he deserted her---and she has found someone new. Gianni manages to say all the right things and is quite pleased with himself when she leaves. Realizing that she still has the engagement ring, Justine heads back only to overhear Gianni tell Beppe on the phone that he is a free man.

Conor tries to talk to Mary and apologizes and says he will do anything to make it up to her even if he has to talk to Matthew. They make up and Mary asks him to help her put on the locket that he gave her.

Nigel's singing leaves a lot to be desired and Julie decides to ask Alex to take over his part in the play.

Nicole brings Jesse back from her visit and when Ruth hears that Nicole has a water leak in her flat, she invites Nicole to sleep on the sofa; much to Mark's chagrin. Later that night, Ruth comes downstairs to find Jesse on the couch sleeping soundly with her mum and tells Mark that she won't be speaking against Nicole at the hearing. Mark finally agrees that they have to do what is right for Jesse and maybe they need the child more than she needs them.